#2 - Research Before Dinner

Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, the books Klaus perused didn't offer much information that would prove useful to his task. A few books that went into any sort of detail mostly rehashed some variation of what Professor Archerose had already told them.

Yet Klaus would notice something rather odd in his search for some more substantial research. There was a section of the shelves related to magical contests that had taken place at Hogwarts or any of the well-known magical schools, but it was obvious someone had gotten there before him. The entire section was emptied, leaving an odd-looking spot of bare and dusty shelf. It couldn't have been one of his classmates, as Klaus was one of the first to arrive and he'd have seen it if someone else got the books first.

The rumours of Hogwarts having its own magical competition was becoming more likely. Someone had gone to the lengths of removing anything that might reveal clues - prior to Archerose's reveal. What did it mean? Was it the Professor himself, giving them a challenge? Or was there more to that blank shelf than even the History of Magic teacher could have anticipated?

Lucas basked in the compliment of being too sneaky for his own good. Though it was quite the opposite: he was too sneaky for anyone else's good, but it hugely benefited him.

He wasn't interested in the homework and researching, but let Klaus talk anyway and gave enough impression he was at least listening. Lucas wasn't sure why, since it wasn't like him to waste his time in such a way, but he hardly had anything better to do. His plans for the afternoon weren't ironed out yet and curiosity had gotten the better of him.

'Hm?' Lucas blinked, realising Klaus was being interactive and asked a question. 'Oh, yeah I've heard.' He shrugged. His tone maintained an implication that of course he knew something, as the Mardling family were one of the most well-connected pureblood lines in Britain, but discussing his parents was not on his agenda for the day. And he had a reputation to maintain, so given any hint that it was a subject he avoided would do badly for him. He would keep that secret no matter what it took.

'Oh, I see.' He scoffed. 'So I'm your third choice? Gee, thanks - even Thatcher was before me? Nice to be considered, at least.' He rolled his eyes but there was no malice in his voice. He'd hardly judge, as the source of information was only relevant in testing its credibility.

'Not much to tell, though. I don't have as much information as there's available.' Lucas supposed Klaus was a safe enough bet to reveal that to, since a fellow Slytherin 5th year wasn't likely to consider it a sign of weakness that Lucas didn't know everything for once. They were only a few days into the new term, after all. Good things took time.

Lucas waved off the defense, not caring why he was chosen third just mildly offended Thatcher was an option before him. He didn't have much worth contributing to the conversation, but jerked his head to stare as Klaus hissed in pain and dropped the books. Madam Pince had ears better than bats when it came to book mistreatment, so Lucas quickly retrieved the books and offered them to Klaus.

It didn't occur to him until then that is was such an unnecessary waste of effort - the other boy had two capable hands to pick up his own books with. Being alone all summer had clearly taken a toll on Lucas again, and he'd have to figure out how to keep it in check before anyone thought he was going soft or had started to care.

Watching Klaus accept the books back and return them to the shelves, Lucas considered how to approach the situation. He wasn't going to shut up just because someone told him to, but urging someone to do help themself wasn't anything he had much experience with. So he did the only option he had left - open his mouth and hope for the best.

'You're an idiot,' he said. Okay, that was about the worst start of an attempt to help someone if ever there was one. 'Er, I mean - look, you're clearly hurt or impacted by something. Ignoring it and hoping no one notices isn't smart. What if you get cornered by some idiots looking for trouble? Most idiots don't amount to much of a threat, but in packs they're dangerous.'

Lucas sighed, raking a hand through his frankly-magnificent hair. 'Don't make it easier for them, mate. I'm not going question it and you don't have to explain anything, but get that taken care of all right? I'd drag you off to the Hospital Wing now if I had a heart, but...' He shrugged, staring at his shiny shoes. The entire moment was weird now. He could just leave, but if Amara got wind that a Slytherin was injured and he'd just left then Lucas would be the one who'd need the Hospital Wing.

'And no, I've got no plans for the afternoon yet,' Lucas added. 'Some ideas, but nothing solid. Might go outside and get some fresh air at some point - the covered bridge, probably. As a matter of fact, I will. You can come hang out if you've got a spare moment not buried in dusty, old books.' He wanted to remind Klaus to see Madam Pomfrey but bit it back. Being the Slytherin Den Mother wasn't his duty. With a sigh, he turned and left the library with hands shoved in his pockets.


[OOC: The member playing Klaus is absent for a few RL days, so I've moved things along to go join Kieran as I planned - however, Klaus is welcome to come join us if there's time to. Otherwise, we can hang out in the common room later. I want these boys to get to know each other better!]